Learning Network Development and Expansion Support Member (Dakota Resources) ACC

Lead For America • Mapleton Township, SD

13h • $33,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Dakota Resources, Inc. The American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps program of Lead For America (LFA), is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment. ACC Members spend a year serving with locally-rooted organizations, helping address the digital divide and strengthen access to opportunity. Through their service, they gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in their communities.

Dakota Resources, Inc.'s mission is to connect capital and leadership capacity to empower rural communities. They believe that rural communities can thrive when local economic development organizations (EDOs) are strong. The EDOs they work with need deeper connections, more flexible capital, and stronger leadership. To accomplish their mission, they partner with mission-focused funders and community-minded for-profit businesses to help expand their reach to rural places.

Under the guidance, supervision, and direction of Dakota Resources staff, the AmeriCorps Member will support capacity-building efforts for the launch of Thriverr 2.0, a learning and action network serving 60 to 80 rural community and economic development leaders. The Member will assist staff with the transition to the updated Thriverr online platform, support the coordination of new AI-based connectivity tools, and participate in community outreach to expand the network to resource partners. Through these supportive efforts, the Member will help small-town leaders better collaborate and access vital programs and resources at the right time.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
• Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms.
• Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff with coordinating and supporting the staff-led implementation of the Thriverr 2.0 online platform transition.
• Help organize, maintain, and update resources and materials embedded within AI-based connectivity tools under staff direction.
• Support staff efforts to foster collaboration among the 60 to 80 rural community and economic development leaders participating in the Thriverr network through virtual and in-person meetings, learning activities, and resource sharing.
• Support staff-led community outreach efforts by helping identify, connect with, and engage prospective resource partners, and assist with maintaining ongoing communications and resource-sharing activities under staff direction. Target: help identify 2 to 3 prospective partners per month.
• Assist staff with developing and maintaining a shared resource-provider knowledge base by gathering, organizing, tagging, and preparing partner-contributed resources and supporting database content under staff direction. This work is shared with the AI Adoption and Capacity-Building Support Member. Target: help add 100 resources over the term.
• Collect and compile service-related data, participant feedback, and activity summaries related to network engagement for staff review, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Assist staff with organizing virtual meetings, training sessions, and in-person network events that connect rural leaders with community development resources, learning opportunities, and peer collaboration.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings with the Site Supervisor to discuss service activities, share observations, receive guidance, and ensure service activities remain aligned with the approved AmeriCorps position description and organizational priorities.
• All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of program and host site staff.

Benefits

• A $33,000 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $7,395 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded ACC Winter Institute druing the year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED